Zephry Teachout's 'Will The Web Kill Colleges'
Running head: ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF THE WEB 1
Analyzing the Impact of the Web
In reading Zephry Teachout’s article, “Will the Web Kill Colleges?” he sheds light on the differences that is taking place in how students are earning their degrees. He discussed a few key points that reflected why he thought there was a shift to online learning, they were: a) the cost of online learning is significantly low, as online qualifications cost a college less to provide , b) the quality of the education earned through online learning may not be up to par, and c) questioned the validity of the degree earned and if employers would hire an employee that earned a degree from a traditional institution over an online school, and d) the ease of online learning versus attending classes in person, and the increased attendance for those who could not afford attending traditional institutions. The points that the author discussed that I would like to reflect on is the cost of online learning and the ability to complete a degree in a self-paced manner. Being a full-time employee and juggling a full load outside of …show more content…
work, I believe that online learning is a benefit to those that can’t make it to a traditional institution. Selecting a school that fits one’s needs is vital for success, but institutions also play important roles in online learning environments. They can provide a friendly and easy-to-use online learning platform to increase students’ willingness in taking online courses . Teachout indicated that online learning is more affordable because it costs the schools less to provide this type of learning. These reductions of costs is passed down to the students, therefore, it makes it more affordable to attend schools without having to always rely on loans and grants.
The challenge with online learning, although it’s cost effective, is the skepticism that if the degree earned holds value. Teachout’s states that “there needs to be a cultural shift before employers greet online degrees without skepticism” . In analyzing this point, I agree because of the flood of online schools that are suddenly offering degree programs. Prior to starting my educational online learning, I struggled with the notion of being able to be recognized as having a “real” degree if I earned it via online classes; will my qualifications be overlooked because I did not earn my degree the traditional way. Although the quality of the school plays a big part in how employers receive the degree, employers are still skeptical. Colleen Butler, a hiring manager who earned her degree online, states “she recognizes the value in employees who put themselves through an online program. Actually, I think online is much more laborious than traditional work" . I concur with this sentiment as learning online requires more structure and discipline than traditional learning.
Teachout’s take on what the future in education would like look seems to be in line with current trends.
There are a lot more schools that are either implementing full online learning degrees, or adding online classes in order to complete a degree. However, ethical questions may be raised by his implications that these online classes will be taught by low-paying adjunct professors, or professors that are not qualified to teach can by schools, future employers, and students. Potential problems that may arise from this view of online learning is that society will question the validity and quality of the education learned via online learning, additionally, students may get overlooked for promotions or higher-paying positions because they may appear to be less qualified because they did not attend a brick and mortar
school.
Works Cited
Carnevale, D. (2007). Employers Often Distrust Online Degrees. Chronicle Of Higher Education, 53, A28-A30.
Teachout, Z. (2012). Will the Web Kill Colleges? In J. Chaffee, Thinking Critically (p. 92). Boston, MA: Wdasworth.
Wang, C.-H., Shannon, D. M., & Ross, M. E. (n.d.). Students’ characteristics, self-regulated learning, technology self-efficacy, and course outcomes in online learning. Distance Education, 34. Auburn, AL, .
Analyzing the Impact of the Web
In reading Zephry Teachout’s article, “Will the Web Kill Colleges?” he sheds light on the differences that is taking place in how students are earning their degrees. He discussed a few key points that reflected why he thought there was a shift to online learning, they were: a) the cost of online learning is significantly low, as online qualifications cost a college less to provide , b) the quality of the education earned through online learning may not be up to par, and c) questioned the validity of the degree earned and if employers would hire an employee that earned a degree from a traditional institution over an online school, and d) the ease of online learning versus attending classes in person, and the increased attendance for those who could not afford attending traditional institutions. The points that the author discussed that I would like to reflect on is the cost of online learning and the ability to complete a degree in a self-paced manner. Being a full-time employee and juggling a full load outside of …show more content…
work, I believe that online learning is a benefit to those that can’t make it to a traditional institution. Selecting a school that fits one’s needs is vital for success, but institutions also play important roles in online learning environments. They can provide a friendly and easy-to-use online learning platform to increase students’ willingness in taking online courses . Teachout indicated that online learning is more affordable because it costs the schools less to provide this type of learning. These reductions of costs is passed down to the students, therefore, it makes it more affordable to attend schools without having to always rely on loans and grants.
The challenge with online learning, although it’s cost effective, is the skepticism that if the degree earned holds value. Teachout’s states that “there needs to be a cultural shift before employers greet online degrees without skepticism” . In analyzing this point, I agree because of the flood of online schools that are suddenly offering degree programs. Prior to starting my educational online learning, I struggled with the notion of being able to be recognized as having a “real” degree if I earned it via online classes; will my qualifications be overlooked because I did not earn my degree the traditional way. Although the quality of the school plays a big part in how employers receive the degree, employers are still skeptical. Colleen Butler, a hiring manager who earned her degree online, states “she recognizes the value in employees who put themselves through an online program. Actually, I think online is much more laborious than traditional work" . I concur with this sentiment as learning online requires more structure and discipline than traditional learning.
Teachout’s take on what the future in education would like look seems to be in line with current trends.
There are a lot more schools that are either implementing full online learning degrees, or adding online classes in order to complete a degree. However, ethical questions may be raised by his implications that these online classes will be taught by low-paying adjunct professors, or professors that are not qualified to teach can by schools, future employers, and students. Potential problems that may arise from this view of online learning is that society will question the validity and quality of the education learned via online learning, additionally, students may get overlooked for promotions or higher-paying positions because they may appear to be less qualified because they did not attend a brick and mortar
school.
Works Cited
Carnevale, D. (2007). Employers Often Distrust Online Degrees. Chronicle Of Higher Education, 53, A28-A30.
Teachout, Z. (2012). Will the Web Kill Colleges? In J. Chaffee, Thinking Critically (p. 92). Boston, MA: Wdasworth.
Wang, C.-H., Shannon, D. M., & Ross, M. E. (n.d.). Students’ characteristics, self-regulated learning, technology self-efficacy, and course outcomes in online learning. Distance Education, 34. Auburn, AL, .